TL;DR
Using Tor browser makes it much harder for someone to directly access your computer, but it doesn’t make you completely invisible. It hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic, but vulnerabilities in your operating system, software, or poor online habits can still expose you.
Understanding How Tor Works
Tor (The Onion Router) routes your internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers (nodes). This does several things:
- Hides Your IP Address: The websites you visit see the IP address of the last Tor node, not yours.
- Encrypts Your Traffic: Data is encrypted in multiple layers as it passes through each node.
- Prevents Tracking: Makes it difficult to trace your online activity back to you.
However, Tor isn’t a magic shield.
Steps to Stay Safe When Using Tor
- Keep Your Operating System Updated: Regularly install security updates for Windows, macOS, or Linux. These patches fix vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
- Windows Example: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
- macOS Example: Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
- Use a Secure Browser (Tor Browser): Tor browser is specifically designed to work with the Tor network and includes built-in security features.
- Download it from the official website: https://www.torproject.org/download/
- Disable Scripts (NoScript): Tor Browser includes NoScript by default, which blocks JavaScript and other potentially dangerous scripts. Keep it enabled.
If you need to allow a script on a trusted website, do so cautiously.
- Avoid Logging In: Don’t log in to your usual accounts (email, social media, banking) while using Tor unless absolutely necessary. This links your activity back to your identity.
- If you must log in, use a separate email address and password than your primary ones.
- Be Careful with Downloads: Only download files from trusted sources. Malicious software can compromise your system even when using Tor.
Scan all downloaded files with an antivirus program before opening them.
- Don’t Use Tor for Torrenting: Torrenting over Tor is strongly discouraged as it can expose your IP address and slow down the network for everyone.
- Use HTTPS Everywhere: Ensure websites use HTTPS (the secure version of HTTP). Tor Browser usually handles this automatically, but double-check.
Look for a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
- Be Aware of Phishing Attacks: Attackers may try to trick you into revealing personal information while using Tor. Be cautious of suspicious emails or websites.
- Consider Your Entire System Security: Tor protects your browser traffic, but it doesn’t protect against keyloggers, malware already on your computer, or physical access to your device.
- Use a strong password for your user account.
- Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
What Can Still Expose You?
- Browser Exploits: Rarely, vulnerabilities in Tor Browser itself can be exploited. Keeping it updated is crucial.
- Operating System Vulnerabilities: As mentioned earlier, an unpatched OS is a major risk.
- Malware: If your computer is infected with malware, it could bypass Tor and reveal your information.
- Human Error: Accidentally revealing personal information or visiting untrusted websites can compromise your anonymity.
- Compromised Exit Nodes: While rare, malicious actors can operate Tor exit nodes to intercept traffic. This is why using HTTPS is important.
Checking Your IP Address
You can verify that Tor is working by checking your public IP address while connected to the network.
- Connect to Tor Browser.
- Visit a website that shows your IP address, such as https://check.torproject.org/ or https://whatismyipaddress.com/
- The displayed IP address should be different from your usual one.